కలిగినవాని కందటూ చుట్టాలే

This proverb is used to question the nature of a relationship. It asks whether a person is a genuine blood relative (pegu chuttam) who cares out of love, or a 'fair-weather friend' (pettu chuttam) who is only around for financial gain, gifts, or personal benefit. It is often used when someone shows sudden interest in a person's life only when they become wealthy or influential.

A table friend is changeable. (French.)‡ * Vache de loin a lait asses. † Geluk en glas brekt even ras. ‡ Ami de table est variable.

This expression suggests that youth and physical vigor are primarily what attract a woman's romantic interest. It implies that a woman's affection is naturally drawn towards a youthful and energetic partner rather than an elderly person.

This expression defines the true essence of expertise in two distinct fields: literature and leadership. It suggests that a real poet is one who possesses the creative complexity to craft 'Chitraprabandhams' (highly technical and artistic poetry), while a true ruler or king is defined by his bravery and ability to fight and defeat enemies on the battlefield (Anilo). It is used to emphasize that mastery is proven through action and skill rather than just titles.

This proverb describes a person who shows off or displays pride because of their wealth, status, or influential background. It is used to point out that those with abundant resources or support often act with a certain level of confidence, elegance, or arrogance that they find difficult to hide.

This proverb highlights the social reality that people flock to those who are wealthy or powerful. When someone is affluent, many people claim a relationship or friendship with them to share in their status or benefits. It is used to describe how wealth attracts people, often contrasting with how the poor are neglected.

This proverb is used to describe how people tend to exaggerate the qualities or achievements of someone after they are gone or after an opportunity is lost. It highlights the human tendency to over-praise or sentimentalize things that are no longer available to be verified.

Lavishing praises on the dead which were not bestowed on the living. * Mellitum venenum, blanda oratio. † Palabras azucaradas por mas son amargas.

This expression is used to describe an extremely stubborn person or someone who is persistent to a fault. It suggests that regardless of major disasters or personal injury, the individual refuses to change their course of action or stop a specific behavior.

This proverb advises caution in social and financial dealings. If you make a promise to a poor person and fail to keep it, their despair may lead to bitterness or social shame for you. Conversely, if you give a wealthy or powerful person space (or a foothold in your affairs/property), they may use their influence to eventually usurp or dominate you.

This proverb describes 'fair-weather friends' or relatives who stay close only when you are wealthy or successful, but disappear or become unavailable when you fall on hard times or actually need their help.

This proverb is used to describe how people tend to exaggerate the qualities, virtues, or features of someone or something only after they are gone or no longer available. It highlights the human tendency to glorify the past or the deceased, often inflating the truth.